Mayflower Compact

Before coming to the New World, the Pilgrims had lived in Leyden, Holland from 1608 to 1620. While there, they absorbed the liberating influences of Dutch society and shifted toward a more democratic form of self-governance.

As the passengers aboard the Mayflower journeyed across the Atlantic, there were three factions: the Separatists seeking religious freedom, the merchant adventurers seeking their fortune, and the crew seeking their livelihood. It became apparent that if these passengers were to survive in an alien land, they needed to consent voluntarily to a cooperative form of government. Thus it was The Mayflower Compact came into being and was signed by adult male passengers in November 1620.

While the language of Shakespeare's day might seem quaint to us today, the spirit of democracy, embracing a civil body politick, outlined in this famous document is timeless.

The Mayflower Compact

"In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc.

"Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal laws, ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due Submission and obedience. In Witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620."